Kelly described
two methods of psychological assessment, the repertory grid and the self
characterisation. Whereas the repertory grid involves both qualitative
and
quantitative measurement, the self characterisation is a purely
qualitative
method. But it is clearly a method Kelly, himself, was very keen on. He
said it was
designed to fulfil his first principle: "if you do not know what is
wrong
with someone, ask them, they may tell you" (Kelly, 1955/ 1991, p. 323/
Vol
1, p. 241). It is one of his examples of the application of the credulous
approach. One is not interested in the truth or falsehood of the
person's
views but simply in the ways in which they view themselves and their
relationships with others. Its analysis does not rest on the derivation
of
quotients for pleasure-pain statements, or on counts of such things as
negative
and positive statements. Instead, as Kelly puts it, one "listens to
nature
babbling to herself" and seeks to gain some insights into another's
personal construct system.

The
self characterisation is used by many counsellors and therapists but
also by
those working with managers, teachers, in fact, anyone who agrees to
carry out
the task for some specific purpose. In fact, many people find it a
useful way
to explore their own construing from time to time.

Details
of the method can be found in Fransella, Bell and
Bannister (2003).